Southwest Road Trip Itinerary (14 Days) - Starting and Ending in Denver, CO

Day 1: Denver to Durango, CO

Morning: Depart Denver early and enjoy the scenic drive toward Durango, CO. Stop for breakfast along the way.
(Drive time: ~6 hours)

Afternoon: Arrive in Durango and explore its historic downtown and Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.

Evening: Dinner in Durango and relax to prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 2: Durango to Page, AZ

Morning: Early morning departure toward Page, AZ. Enjoy the drive through southwestern landscapes.
(Drive time: ~5.5 hours)

Afternoon: Visit Horseshoe Bend and relax by the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Evening: Enjoy sunset views near Lake Powell and dine in Page.

Day 3: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim, AZ

Morning: Visit the stunning Antelope Canyon in Page before heading to the Grand Canyon.
(Drive time: ~2.5 hours)

Afternoon: Arrive at the Grand Canyon South Rim. Begin exploring viewpoints such as Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station.

Evening: Watch the sunset over the canyon and stay overnight near the park.

Day 4: Grand Canyon South Rim Exploration

Morning: Hike a portion of the South Kaibab Trail or visit Hermit Road viewpoints.

Afternoon: Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center and explore the Rim Trail.

Evening: Attend a ranger program or stargaze at the canyon.

Day 5: Grand Canyon South Rim to Zion National Park, UT

Morning: Depart early for Zion National Park in Utah.
(Drive time: ~4 hours)

Afternoon: Check-in near Zion and explore the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and easy trails like Riverside Walk.

Evening: Dinner in Springdale and relax for a full day in Zion tomorrow.

Day 6: Zion National Park Hiking

Morning: Hike iconic trails such as Angel’s Landing or the Emerald Pools Trail.

Afternoon: Explore the scenic Zion Canyon Scenic Drive via shuttle bus.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in Springdale or attend a local arts event if available.

Day 7: Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Morning: Drive from Zion to Bryce Canyon National Park.
(Drive time: ~2 hours)

Afternoon: Explore the Bryce Amphitheater area, with stops at the Sunset Point and Inspiration Point.

Evening: Sunset views from Sunset Point and overnight near Bryce.

Day 8: Bryce Canyon to Glen Canyon / Lake Powell

Morning: Depart Bryce and head back toward the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell.
(Drive time: ~3 hours)

Afternoon: Explore Glen Canyon Dam and take a boat tour on Lake Powell if time allows.

Evening: Relax lakeside and enjoy dinner with views of the water.

Day 9: Glen Canyon to Moab, UT

Morning: Drive north to Moab, UT, gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
(Drive time: ~2.5 hours)

Afternoon: Visit Arches National Park highlights like Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock.

Evening: Dinner in Moab and prepare for Canyonlands exploration tomorrow.

Day 10: Canyonlands National Park

Morning: Spend the morning in Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky District) visiting Mesa Arch and Grand View Point.

Afternoon: Consider an off-road drive or scenic viewpoint stops within the park.

Evening: Sunset viewing near Moab or a stargazing event.

Day 11: Moab Leisure Day / Optional Adventure

Morning: Optional rafting, mountain biking, or jeep tours around Moab.

Afternoon: Relax in town or visit local shops and galleries.

Evening: Try local cuisine and rest for the drive back to Denver.

Day 12: Moab to Durango, CO

Morning: Depart Moab and drive back to Durango, CO.
(Drive time: ~3 hours)

Afternoon: Optional visit to the Durango Hot Springs or stroll the downtown area.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Durango to Denver

Morning: Begin the drive back to Denver.
(Drive time: ~6 hours)

Afternoon: Arrive in Denver and check into your accommodation.

Evening: Explore Denver’s nightlife or have a quiet dinner downtown.

Day 14: Denver Exploration & Departure

Morning: Visit Denver Botanic Gardens or the Denver Art Museum.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in downtown Denver.

Evening: Prepare for departure or continue your travels.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Durango Historic Downtown: 2 hours, Free
• Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum: 1.5 hours, $15
• Horseshoe Bend: 1 hour, $10 parking
• Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: 2-3 hours, $30 vehicle fee
• Antelope Canyon Tour: 2 hours, $60
• Grand Canyon South Rim: 1.5 days, $35 vehicle entrance fee
• Zion National Park: 2 days, $37 vehicle entrance fee
• Bryce Canyon National Park: 1 day, $35 vehicle entrance fee
• Glen Canyon Dam Tour: 1 hour, Free
• Lake Powell Boat Tour: 2-3 hours, $50
• Arches National Park: 1 day, $35 vehicle entrance fee
• Canyonlands National Park: 1 day, Included with Arches or separate $35 if alone
• Moab Adventure Activities (rafting/biking): Variable, $50-$120
• Durango Hot Springs: 2 hours, $25
• Denver Botanic Gardens: 2 hours, $15
• Denver Art Museum: 2 hours, $14

Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $554 - $624 (excluding accommodations, meals, and fuel)

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding days for more in-depth exploration of Moab’s adventure sports or include visits to nearby parks like Capitol Reef or Mesa Verde National Park. Alternatively, add time for guided tours such as rafting on the Colorado River or photography workshops at Antelope Canyon.

To reduce the trip’s duration, focus on key highlights by skipping lesser-known stops such as Glen Canyon and limiting time at the Grand Canyon to one day. Combining travel days with shorter visits and prioritizing main parks will allow completion in 10-12 days without missing major attractions.